CHAPTER 212: ALEVERON RANGE [1]

Samantha’s expression became serious while Gabriel’s face remained indifferent to everything.

"Go ahead, say what you want to say. I’ll keep it a secret," he assured her. Whether she believed him or not was left to her... but Gabriel wasn’t a blabbermouth to begin with.

Whatever she told him would probably die with him.

Seeing his expression, Samantha had a strange feeling he was trustworthy. She decided to trust her instincts, so after taking a deep breath, she proceeded to speak.

"Time up! Prepare to move!" Suddenly, the driver’s voice sounded. "A storm is coming. Let’s hit the roads now while it’s still early."

Samantha bit her lip and, after a bow toward Gabriel, rushed down to regroup with the others. Maybe that interruption was a sign for her not to reveal her secret.

Gabriel watched her go, not bothering to stop her. Though he was furious, he wasn’t desperate.

He looked at the sky—indeed, the clouds were darkening.

Moments later, everyone boarded the bus and they drove off. An hour later, a heavy downpour came.

It was so intense that the driver found it difficult to see ahead, his perception lacking, and Gabriel had no choice but to take over the wheel.

Naturally, some monsters showed up trying to block the vehicle. Gabriel simply sped past them or ran them over. If any were too difficult to bypass, he stepped down and sent them to the afterlife.

The group didn’t stop for camping because of the storm. Therefore, the journey was faster, and soon they reached their destination.

By then, the rain had already stopped. When Gabriel and the students stepped out, they found themselves in front of a towering wall.

This was not only a first for Gabriel but also for Miss Clair and the students.

"I’ve only heard about this place from the books," a nerdy girl commented.

"It looks much bigger than I thought."

"Why am I scared? Those guys... they look like people who’ve gone through hell," another student whispered, pointing at the figures on the wall.

On every part of the wall, soldiers stood with sharp, focused gazes, ready to cut down anything that dared trespass.

Even in his past life, Gabriel didn’t know about this place.

Was this a city? It was called a range, right? That meant it wasn’t a city... but what could be on the other side? These walls were even higher than the ones in Stellar City.

It felt as if they were safeguarding something.

Miss Clair calmly approached the guard at the gate. She pulled out an ID that identified her as a staff member of Stellar City Academy.

"I was sent by Headmistress Elira of the Stellar City Academy," she said.

"We have been expecting you. However, since you arrived earlier than anticipated, we were a bit skeptical about letting you in," the guard replied. "You’re free to enter, but the vehicle must remain outside."

"What about monsters attacking it?" Clair frowned.

"You don’t have to worry about that. The vehicle will be taken to our garage." He then pointed toward a sign that read: No Vehicles Allowed.

Merely looking at the walls, Clair knew this place was extremely large, and she dreaded the thought of walking it on foot.

After a few more exchanges, the gates slowly creaked open, and everyone stepped through. Immediately, the air felt different.

The students walked in groups, whispering amongst themselves—some nervous, others excited.

Gabriel kept silent, his eyes casually sweeping the towering structures beyond the wall. Barracks, watchtowers, armories, and living quarters filled his sight.

Clair led them forward, her heels clicking against the stone pavement. She seemed confident on the outside, but Gabriel noticed her shoulders stiffen each time a soldier’s cold eyes glanced their way.

"This place is... like a fortress," a student whispered.

"Not like," Clair corrected, her voice calm. "It is one."

That shut the girl up instantly.

They stopped at a checkpoint where an officer in dark armor approached. His expression was serious, almost hostile.

"You must be the instructor from Stellar City Academy," he said, glancing at Clair before shifting his gaze to Gabriel. "And you... who are you?"

By now, almost everyone in Stellar City knew who Gabriel was, so the students were shocked this person didn’t recognize him.

Then they realized—it could be because these people didn’t have access to the internet.

Clair wanted to speak, but Gabriel raised a hand, silencing her as he stepped forward.

"I’m assigned by the academy to watch over the students," Gabriel replied evenly. "But if you doubt my capability, you’re free to test me."

The officer narrowed his eyes but didn’t press further. Perhaps he saw the calmness in Gabriel’s expression and decided against it.

"Follow me," the officer finally said, turning around.

They were led deeper inside. On both sides, soldiers trained intensely, their weapons gleaming, their movements precise. Each swing of a sword or thrust of a spear carried lethal intent.

The students were awed. Not much information had been given about this place, but there was one thing everyone could sense.

"They look stronger than most adventurers," one muttered.

"They are," the officer said flatly, not bothering to lower his voice. "We live on the frontlines. Weakness means death."

Clair frowned at his bluntness, but the truth was undeniable.

Soon, they arrived at a large hall. Maps covered the walls, marked with pins and ink. At the center, a grizzled general sat behind a heavy desk, emitting a powerful presence.

"You’re earlier than expected," the general said, eyes narrowing. His gaze lingered on Gabriel for a long moment before shifting to Clair. "Your class will stay in the outer quarters. No wandering. No foolish behavior. This is not a playground for kids."

Clair bowed lightly. "Understood."

The general nodded and dismissed them with a wave of his hand.

As the group was escorted to their assigned quarters, Gabriel stayed behind for a moment, his gaze falling on the war maps. Red markers clustered dangerously close to their location.

’Those markings...,’ Gabriel thought, a cold gleam flickering in his eyes. ’Are they preparing for war or something?’